Dodgers are sending out the usual nine

After mulling shakeup, team decides to keep same lineup — including slumping Pages

- JACK HARRIS

DODGERS OUTFIELDER Andy Pages (44) has started every game this postseason but is batting just .093 with one extra-base hit.

In the days leading up to Game 3 of the World Series, the Dodgers had considered shaking up the bottom of their lineup, and potentially dropping struggling center fielder Andy Pages to the bench.

But when the team announced its starters for Monday's resumption of the Fall Classic, the team listed the same nine-man group it has used since the start of the National League Championship Series -- Pages included.

Pages has started every game of this postseason, but he entered Monday batting just .093 in the playoffs with one extra-base hit, 11 strikeouts and no walks.

That slump had prompted manager Dave Roberts to acknowledge Sunday that moving Pages out of the lineup was "still on the table."

During that night's workout, Kiké Hernández also spent a noticeable amount of time fielding fly balls in center.

However, the Dodgers decided against the change for now, keeping Hernández in left, Pages in the No. 9 spot playing center, and their only other outfield alternative, Alex Call, on the bench.

"I think in totality the at-bats have been better," Roberts said. "I think for me, I just want to see him continue to fight and compete.... I want to keep betting on him. I'm not saying that it's in perpetuity, but tonight I'm going to bet on him until I don't."

One reason the Dodgers have stuck with Pages this long is because of their limited defensive alternatives including, first and foremost, utilityman Tommy Edman being restricted to only second base this October because of a lingering ankle injury.